Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-10-09

hasty uuestion-had turned away scarce
noting the stiffness with which she had
listened, the manner in which she had
remained motionless till he was out OF
sight. No comment on his words |!
Well. SO best She was but child
the tragedy OF life was scarcely to be
realized at that age. The possibilities
OF doubtful future did not often find
a place in young, confident soul. 1t
did not occur to him to question
whether she were only stunned.
Up stairs, in the great dreary, oak
furnished room, she was seated now in
the dull afternoon. her hands clssped
in her lap, her soft dark eyes staring
before her at the desolate future which
on sudden had risen up to kill the
glad present. Close at hand, another
woman down on her knees was strug-
Cling with all the strength Of proud,
self-contained nature to face with due
decorum that which she felt to be a
demand Of duty, and therefore to be
obeyed. But she was a woman-she
knew why she wept and prayed, and
what passion it was that shook her
soul. She had known the joys and
sorrows of life, and, counting them up,
could recognize that all that we're left
centered in this her only son.
But to this young, passionate heart
no such analysis was possible. Hewas
going away. When he went she would
be lett alone, no one to speak to, no
one even left who cared for her. No,
no it was not to be borne. AT any
cost, at any price, that separation must
be prevented.
And SO, by and by, as Sir Lovelace
stood in the armory selecting those
weapons which should best serve his
necessities in the coming time, he be-
came aware OF soft movement OF the
lock, of quick step entering the room.
He did not once turn his head he
was intent for the moment on the
sword he held in his hand. As he lifted
its unsbeathed brightness it caught and
reflected brilliant CLEAN from the
western sky, and raising his eyes he
saw that the dull clouds we're rent, and
that after the long, gloomy day the sun
was setting in rich crimson and gold.
Then his eyes falling from the far-off
promise OF a glorious morrow, rested
on the figures of slight boy standing
by his side in all the gaudy velvet and
lace of a pages dress. For a moment
his eyes rested dubiously on the dark
ones that shifted little from his under
the shadowy velvet cap, but before he
conld speak she had clasped his hands,
pouring forth a torrent OF passionate
prayer.
"Do not say no." before she had
preferred her request. "Let me go
with you. Do not leave me here, rs
he would have spoken. "When you
leave there is no one to care for me.
TO be with you, that is all ask or care
for"
"Listen, Felicite," striving to stem
the torrent Of eager words. cit Is
impossible-you know it yourself.
"No, no." she urged, edo not say
so. You fear / shall be a trouble, but
YOU need not. Remember that last
Journey was | trouble then? | am
IS strong as any boy, can ride as long,
and put up with as many hardships
To be with you, that is all | ask. Not
to be left with your mother, who dis
likes me-all these people here, who do
not even understand me " She had
her hands still clasped about his wrist.
the velyet-plumed hat had fallen to the
ground, discovering the soft curls on
her smooth forehead, her clear eyes
looked pleadiDgly into his.
You would not be cruel" she be-
gan again.
Cruel" he repeated. And then.
drawing her nearer to him, he passed
his hand over the dark curls. &" dc
not cry, child" he said. "Listen to
my plan first"
AT his words she brushed the tears
from her eyes, and with all a child's ca
gerness and confidence stood awaiting
what he should say-that confidence
which rests in implicit belief that older,
wiser brains will find way of escape
that il cannot see for itself.
"You will wait here for me, and
then when l return, you will become
NY wife"
eyes" she said. There was dubious
tone in her voice, but it was not In re
spouse to that far-off Homecoming. Ii
was to-day, to-morrow-that lay heavy
on her soul. The tears were falling
again, as, Glow long ?" she falter
ed.
Before return? All, who car
tell But you will wait, you will bC
patient"
He kissed her then, her soft cheeks
and the little dark rings of hair on he
forehead, and she took his kisses as
child might have done-crying LITTLE
still, but comforted by his kindness anC
tenderness.
And the sunset grew more and more
brilliant, SEEDLINGS golden light in tn
great room, tipping with rays OF ligh
all the many weapons around them
until they stood in a sea OF gold, witt
gold-tipped spears hemming them IN
and golden lightning playing on tn
sword his hands still held, such bril-
liant spot in the midst Of such darl
surrounding gloom. But it did no
last, the sun was too near its setting t
admit of it. 1t was too late to retriev'
the gloom of the past, only it scenes
to tighten this final hour.
"Come up with me to the flag tow
err" Sir Lovelace said. before
grows dark | will show you from Their
IN what direction you may look for IN,
return.
She slipped her hand in his, and afte
he had wrapped the cloak about he
under which she had previously dis
puised her gay dress, they MOUNTS
the narrow fight of steps that led +
the tower above.
In the still evening air the heavy fla
fell motionless, its thick folds droopin
about the staff through the dark cloud
that had closed in again on the wester
horizon shafts of light found their wa
r across the quiet landscape. In silenc
: for moment he stood, looking owe
the quiet scene, still holding the sir
hand that chung so confidently to his.
r Then his eyes sought hers, and, lif
ing his right hand, he pointed soutt
: ward across the great chestnuts of th
, park and the silver-shining waters {
. the river and" 1t is in that direction
Felicite, you must look for my return
: II is thence / shall come"
5 GLOW long ?" she sighed.
I He anlv achoed her words